Healing > Medications and Therapy

Coming off klonopin

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Knightsaber:
2mg a day for the last three years, my doctor decides out of the blue to have me stop.  0.5mg every three days for 30 days.

Has anyone successfully done this before?  This much for this long and managed to quit?  Because it's horrific.

sarahgotsissues:
I don't know what klonopin is...

What is it?

Knightsaber:
It's like Xanax, same thing, only time released I think.

It feels like I got my heroin taken away (not that I have any idea what that's like, but it can't be much worse).

ocdengineer:
It is not time released, it simply lasts longer.  But you are correct, it is a benzodiazepene, and works essentially like Xanax. 

My advice, and other may disagree.  If it was working for you the tell your doctor that you do not want to stop taking it and find a doctor who is more interested in your long term quality of life rather than a BS lawsuit.  Klonopin and all benzos have been given an unjust reputation and many doctors shy away from using them long term.  I have been on Xanax for almost a year and to me it is a wonder drug.  It has really helped with my anxiety and I usually have no problems with it at all. 

If it wasn't working then there is the option of increasing your doseage which you can consider since you have been on it for three years.  Maybe you need 3 mg per day instead. 

The third option, if you decided to go off the medication is to take a much slower approach to weaning off the medication.  3 days per .5 mg is ridiculous.  This drug can cause some pretty serious withdrawl symptoms and should be withdrawn from in small increments over a long period of time to minimize your discomfort.

Again, if it is working then don't stop taking it!  It is rare for people with anxiety issues to find a solution that actually works, so don't quit taking it unless you feel it is not helping you anymore.  Definitely don't stop cold turkey.  Dangerous withdrawl symptoms, though rare, could occur.

Good luck,
OE

Knightsaber:
It does work, it's the only thing that's ever worked.  I am not clueless and I did not stop taking it, but I do have no way to get any more.  Both the other doctors I've been to say that they will not go against the first doctor's advice.  I really am quite put out.  I'm taking 1mg a day now, because the shaking and the panic attack wave after wave was getting out of hand.  This is at least tolerable for the time being.

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